Muslim-Christian Relations

-by Hassan Taha

1.1. Muslim-Christian RelationsMuslim-Christian Relations

• As man is sociable by nature, he is bound to interact and have social relations with different human beings regardless of race, religion or nationality.

• Islam has defined such relations and molded them in the matrix of equality, justice, tolerance, compassion, love, etc. Since man was created among other things, to develop the living conditions on the earth, it is then imperative upon him to cooperate with his brothers in humanity. God says:

…"help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancor…" (5:2)

1.1. Muslim-Christian RelationsMuslim-Christian Relations

• The entire life of any Islamic society is regulated by the Islamic Law. This calls for establishing strong relations between Muslim and non-Muslim

citizens. Muslim-Christian relations are governed by the following prophetic

saying in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says:

"He who harms a non-Muslim harms me, and he who harms me, harms God." (Related by Al-Tabarani in Al-Awsat)

2.2. Establishment of Muslim relations Establishment of Muslim relations with non-Muslimswith non-Muslims

• Our relations with non-Muslims are defined by the following verses of the

Holy Qur'an:

"God forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly

and justly with them: for God loves those who are just. God only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for (your)

faith and drive you out of your homes from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these

circumstances) that do wrong." (60:8-9)

• According to the Holy Qur'an, a Muslim is required to deal kindly and justly with all people regardless of religion, color or ethnicity.

3.3. Taking Meals with the People of the Taking Meals with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)Book (Jews and Christians)

• Islam permits Muslims to eat of the meat of the slaughtered animals of the People of the Book and to marry their chaste women. We read in the Qur'an:

"The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours

is lawful unto them…” (5:5)

4.4. Status of the People of the Book in a Status of the People of the Book in a Muslim SocietyMuslim Society

• When the People of the Book live as non-Muslim citizens under Islamic sovereignty, they enjoy a special status and are referred to along with other minorities as, "Ahludh-dhimma," or "Dhimmis", translated as, (those guaranteed safety, security and protection by God, His Messenger and Muslims.) Non-Muslims are granted that security and protection provided they pay the "Jizyah," (capitation tax) as well as respecting the Islamic constitution.

5.5. Some early encounters between Some early encounters between Prophet Muhammad and ChristiansProphet Muhammad and Christians

• Bahira, the Monk: When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 12 years old, he set out to Syria with his uncle, Abu Talib. When they reached Busra, a monk called Bahira, invited them to a meal. After realizing that Muhammad was the prophet mentioned in the Christian books, he advised Abu Talib to return to Mecca with the lad under the assumption that he (Muhammad) would be harmed.

• After prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation, he rushed to his house in utter fear and anxiety. His wife, Khadija, comforted him and took him to her cousin, Waraqa, (a Christian Priest) who confirmed to him that it was the beginning of a very challenging and yet rewarding mission. He said:

“The angel who brought to you the revelation is the same who brought it to Moses. I wish I were alive when your people drive

you away from this land so that I support you…" (Al-Bukhari, 1/2,3)

6.6. Religious Discussion with non-MuslimsReligious Discussion with non-Muslims

• The Qur'an prohibits serious religious discussions tainted with malice and rancor, for they result in hostility, resentment, and bitter feelings. God says:

"… and do not dispute with the People of the Book except with better means (than mere disputation) unless it be with those

who inflict wrong (and injury). But say, "We believe in the revelation, which has come down to you. Our God and your

God is one, and it is to Him that we bow in submission." (29:46)

7.7. Priorities of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Priorities of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina:in Medina:

• The third thing that Prophet Muhammad did in Medina was to sign a treaty with the Jews, which was abiding to other non-Muslims as well – it stipulated the following terms:

Common Defense. Freedom of Worship Leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

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